Onana leaves Man United on season-long loan
MANCHESTER, England: Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana has joined Turkish club Trabzonspor on a season-long loan deal for the 2025/26 campaign, the Premier League side confirmed on Thursday. The 29-year-old Cameroonian, who signed for United from Inter Milan in July 2023 for an initial fee of £47.2 million, will spend the entire season in Turkey with no loan fee involved and no option for a permanent transfer.
Onana’s departure comes after an inconsistent spell at Old Trafford marked by notable errors and competition for the number one spot. He made 102 appearances for United, contributing to their 2024 FA Cup victory, but struggled for form, culminating in limited game time this season and being replaced as first choice by Altay Bayındır. The move was finalized ahead of the closure of the Turkish transfer window, with Onana expected to gain regular playing time and rebuild confidence at Trabzonspor.
Manchester United’s recent signing of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp for an initial €21 million (£18.1 million) plus add-ons signaled a shift in the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy. United will not be paying Onana’s wages during his loan spell as they look to streamline their squad. Manager Ruben Amorim retains several options for the goalkeeper position ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixtures, including Lammens, Bayındır, and veteran Tom Heaton.
Onana, known for his shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and experience at top European clubs, was brought in to replace David de Gea. However, defensive errors and inconsistency have hampered his tenure at United. The loan to Trabzonspor is seen as an opportunity for Onana to regain form and resilience in a competitive league, while United pursues a renewed goalkeeping strategy.
This transfer reflects Manchester United’s pragmatic approach to squad management, balancing investment in new talent with providing existing players the chance to reset their careers elsewhere temporarily. For Onana, the move to Trabzonspor offers a crucial chapter to re-establish himself as a reliable number one keeper on the European stage, potentially paving the way for a return to Old Trafford or a new permanent future after the loan period.